Lu Vason,
Founder of the Bill Pickett Invitational Rodeo
"I encourage you to accept that you may not be able to see a path
right now, but that doesn't mean it's not there.“
With over four decades showcasing national and international talent, Lu Vason was an experienced producer, media impresario and market consultant. His extensive credits include creating the Pointer Sister, founding both the Bill Pickett Invitational Rodeo and MLK African American Heritage Rodeo of Champions, producing the 1st Annual Denver Jazz Festival, brought “Harlem Comes to Denver”, “Harlem Returns to Denver” (featuring the Dance Theatre of Harlem), OperaJazz and an array of other events.
Through his company, Lu Vason Presents, diverse communities were able to experience unique entertainment events and opportunities; nurturing audiences with memorable cultural art experiences and inspiration. Lu’s true passion was his love for the rodeo and the black cowboy and cowgirl. Vason used the rodeo not only for entertainment but also as an educational tool, sharing the story of the African American cowboy and cowgirl while touching hundreds of thousands of lives all over the world.
Lu Vason's legacy will live on through the Bill Picket Invitational Rodeo as it begins its 32nd year. The Bill Pickett Invitational Rodeo has traveled to 33 cities and is known as the world's only African American rodeo.
